COCOA MASS
Cocoa mass, also called cocoa paste or cocoa liquor, is a raw product derived from cocoa beans after
their initial processing. It is a fundamental ingredient in the chocolate industry and has numerous
applications in various fields, from food to cosmetics.
Cocoa mass is obtained by grinding roasted and hulled cocoa beans (called nibs). It comes in the form
of a semi-liquid paste, composed of two main components:
Cocoa butter: the fat naturally present in the beans (approximately 50 to 55% of the mass).
Cocoa mass is therefore a raw, unsweetened product that retains all the organoleptic and chemical
characteristics of cocoa beans. It is the basis of many derivative products, such as chocolate, cocoa
powder, and cocoa butter.
Uses for Cocoa Mass
1-Chocolate Manufacturing
Cocoa mass is the main ingredient in dark, milk, or white chocolate. It is blended with sugar,
additional cocoa butter (to adjust fluidity), and, in some cases, milk powder or flavorings (such as
vanilla).
For dark chocolate, the proportion of cocoa mass determines the cocoa percentage (for example,
70% cocoa means that 70% of the product comes from cocoa mass).
2-Pastry and Confectionery
Cocoa mass is used to make ganaches, truffles, pralines, and coatings.
It is used to flavor creams, ice creams, mousses, and desserts.
3-Beverages
It is incorporated into hot drinks (hot chocolate) or artisanal drinks made with pure cocoa.
4-Functional Products
Thanks to its antioxidants and bioactive compounds, cocoa mass is used in dietary or health
products, such as energy bars and dietary supplements.
5--Cosmetics Industry
Cocoa butter extracted from cocoa mass is widely used in moisturizers, lip balms, lotions, and soaps
due to its emollient and nourishing properties.
Polyphenols from cocoa mass are sometimes incorporated into anti-aging products for their antioxidant effects.
6-Pharmaceutical Industry
Bioactive compounds in cocoa mass, such as theobromine and flavonoids, are being studied for their
beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, cognition, and metabolism.
It is sometimes used as an excipient in certain pharmaceutical formulations.
7-Artisan and Cultural Applications
In some cultures, cocoa mass is used in traditional recipes, such as Mexican mole (a savory cocoa
sauce) or pre-Columbian ritual drinks.
Artisan chocolatiers leverage cocoa mass to create high-end products, highlighting beans from
specific terroirs.
Cocoa mass, also called cocoa paste or cocoa liquor, is a raw product derived from cocoa beans after
their initial processing. It is a fundamental ingredient in the chocolate industry and has numerous
applications in various fields, from food to cosmetics.
Cocoa mass is obtained by grinding roasted and hulled cocoa beans (called nibs). It comes in the form
of a semi-liquid paste, composed of two main components:
Cocoa butter: the fat naturally present in the beans (approximately 50 to 55% of the mass).
Cocoa mass is therefore a raw, unsweetened product that retains all the organoleptic and chemical
characteristics of cocoa beans. It is the basis of many derivative products, such as chocolate, cocoa
powder, and cocoa butter.
Uses for Cocoa Mass
1-Chocolate Manufacturing
Cocoa mass is the main ingredient in dark, milk, or white chocolate. It is blended with sugar,
additional cocoa butter (to adjust fluidity), and, in some cases, milk powder or flavorings (such as
vanilla).
For dark chocolate, the proportion of cocoa mass determines the cocoa percentage (for example,
70% cocoa means that 70% of the product comes from cocoa mass).
2-Pastry and Confectionery
Cocoa mass is used to make ganaches, truffles, pralines, and coatings.
It is used to flavor creams, ice creams, mousses, and desserts.
3-Beverages
It is incorporated into hot drinks (hot chocolate) or artisanal drinks made with pure cocoa.
4-Functional Products
Thanks to its antioxidants and bioactive compounds, cocoa mass is used in dietary or health
products, such as energy bars and dietary supplements.
5--Cosmetics Industry
Cocoa butter extracted from cocoa mass is widely used in moisturizers, lip balms, lotions, and soaps
due to its emollient and nourishing properties.
Polyphenols from cocoa mass are sometimes incorporated into anti-aging products for their antioxidant effects.
